Weather Journal:Snowflakes in the Forecast

Snowflakes have returned to Greater New York’s five day forecast, though significant accumulations are still unlikely.

Thursday’s weather will turn increasingly cloudier and windier as the day progresses, with a midwestern blizzard in-bound for upstate New York. Buffalo, Syracuse, and other parts of western New York State that are currently about two feet short in this snow-starved winter should see their first significant snows of the season by Friday.

Closer to New York City, the blizzard will manifest itself in the form of heavy rain and possible thundershowers late Thursday night into Friday. Winds could pick up to at least 30 mph or even higher in some gusts.

As the storm clears out, colder weather will invade the tri-state and boost the region’s snow chances.

Wednesday’s weather models have trended a hair colder for the post-storm period, which should now allow for snow showers to fall in the city’s northern suburbs, and perhaps in the city itself early Saturday morning. No significant accumulations should hit the city, but the sight of falling snowflakes — even if they won’t be enough for snowmen — may be enough to put the city into the holiday spirit.

Last day to vote in Weather Journal’s year-end poll
Even before Sandy, Greater New York had a brush with another hurricane remnant during 2012. After spinning over New Orleans for days, what was left of Hurricane Isaac made a beeline for the East Coast, and dropped torrential rainfall over New York City in early September. The rains were enough to bring a temporary halt to the U.S. Open tennis championships.

That event, and several others, made our short list for the biggest weather-related stories in the tri-state this year. Vote below for the story you think was most important. Weather Journal will tally up the winners on Thursday, and have more to say about the winning event.

Thursday’s Greater New York forecast roundup:

WSJ Headquarters in Manhattan:

Actual High: 47; High feels like: 46

Actual Low: 42; Low feels like: 38

Weather: Rain showers set in

Brooklyn: 47/42

Queens: 48/42

Bronx: 47/42

Staten Island: 46/40

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: 44/37

Trenton, N.J.: 48/42

Islip, Long Island: 46/43

New Haven, Conn.: 45/41

Meteorologist Eric Holthaus contributes daily weather reports and analysis on Metropolis. For the latest on conditions in New York and elsewhere, follow his updates (@WSJweather) on Twitter.